Cape Cod Cranberry Meat Loaf
A savory meatloaf infused with cranberry and herbs, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Ideal for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup whole berry cranberry sauce ⓘ
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 pound ground chuck ⓘ
- 1 pound ground veal ⓘ
- 1/2 pound ground pork ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup catsup ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon marjoram ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine cranberry sauce and brown sugar in the bottom of a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Combine ground chuck, ground veal, ground pork, chopped onion, milk, breadcrumbs, catsup, eggs, thyme, marjoram, rosemary, white pepper, and salt in a large mixing bowl and mix well.
- Shape the meat mixture into a loaf and place it over the cranberry sauce in the loaf pan.
- Place bay leaves on top of the loaf.
- Bake for 1 1/4 hours.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Transfer the meatloaf to a warmed platter and drizzle with pan juices, especially the cranberries, before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using ground turkey instead of ground chuck for a leaner option. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar to the cranberry sauce mixture. Ensure to finely chop the onion to blend well with the meats, enhancing the overall texture. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as sage or parsley, for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cape Cod Cranberry Meat Loaf with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs nicely to balance the richness of the meatloaf. For a comforting twist, consider serving it alongside Krista'S Country Tomato And Alphabet Soup for a nostalgic touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meatloaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, slice the meatloaf and place it in a baking dish; cover it with foil and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual slices for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cape Cod Cranberry Meat Loaf contains roughly 954 calories, with 28g protein, 162g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (70% of the Daily Value), protein (56% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 885mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this meatloaf ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble it in the loaf pan with the cranberry sauce and bake it the next day. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the dish.
What can I substitute for ground veal?
If ground veal is unavailable, you can replace it with additional ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter option. This will still maintain the meatloaf's moisture and flavor while accommodating dietary preferences.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this meatloaf gluten-free, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure that all ingredients, including the catsup, are labeled gluten-free to keep the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).